Patiala, April 15
Toll plazas across Punjab were made toll-free today as employees protested the rollout of a mandatory cashless payment system. The Toll Plaza Workers Union had announced a statewide suspension of toll collection from noon to 3 p.m., urging authorities to reconsider the policy.
At Patiala’s Dhreeri Jattan Toll Plaza, workers halted toll collection and voiced concerns that the shift to cashless payments would result in significant job losses. They also highlighted potential issues for travelers, noting that many rely on cash while FASTag accounts can sometimes lack sufficient funds.
The protest received backing from farmer organizations, who pledged to block the implementation of the cashless system. Union representatives stated that the action was not just about job security, but also about ensuring a hassle-free experience for commuters.
